{"id":221,"date":"2008-12-23T23:45:42","date_gmt":"2008-12-24T10:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/backyardcity.wordpress.com\/?p=221"},"modified":"2008-12-23T23:45:42","modified_gmt":"2008-12-24T10:45:42","slug":"swing-set-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardcity.com\/Outdoor-Patio-Blog\/swing-set-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Swing Set\u00a0Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Wooden<\/p>\n

How Safe is Your Backyard Playground Equipment?<\/p>\n

Before you jump into installing the swing set you got for your kids this Christmas, consider the following\u2026 Backyard playground safety begins even before the playground equipment has been constructed and installed. Hopefully this information will assist you in planning and creating a safe backyard playground for your children and their friends.<\/p>\n

The Best Location for Your Backyard Playground Equipment<\/h5>\n

Choosing the ideal location for your new playground equipment is the first step in ensuring backyard playground safety. Avoid sloping areas \u2013 level ground helps prevent playground equipment from tipping over. In addition, select an area that is away from potentially hazardous obstacles such as trees, low branches and wires, stumps, roots, large rocks, fences, bricks, and concrete. Plan for a safety zone of at least 6 feet around all backyard playground equipment; set aside even more space in front of and behind swings.<\/p>\n

Protective Playground Surfaces<\/h5>\n

Once you have chosen the safest location for your backyard playground, the next step is to select an appropriate type of protective surface for under the equipment. Grass and dirt are the most common surfaces found under backyard playgrounds, but they are not adequate protection against injuries due to falls. Pea gravel, sand, wood chips, and shredded or recycled rubber mulch are some examples of protective playground surface options. Each protective surface option has its own specific minimum depth recommendations.<\/p>\n

Backyard Playground Construction Materials<\/h5>\n

One of the most common materials used to construct playground equipment\u00a0is wood.\u00a0 Wooden Swing Set<\/a> equipment should be treated to resist rotting and insects. Cedar and Redwood are two recommended wood types for wooden playground construction because they are naturally resistant to rotting and insect damage.\u00a0 ACQ pressure treated wood is also a good choice.<\/p>\n

Safe Hardware for Playground Equipment<\/h5>\n

Use the bolts and screws recommended by the manufacturer of your playground equipment. Lock washers or self-locking nuts are essential to prevent bolts from loosening over time. Be sure to cap any exposed bolts \u2013 these can cause serious cuts or entangle loose clothing. In addition, close all S hooks so that openings are less than the thickness of a dime. Carabineers, like those used in mountain climbing and other adventure sports, can be used as an alternative to S hooks to attach the top of each swing to the swing beam hardware.<\/p>\n

Once the playground equipment has been chosen, constructed, and installed, the following guidelines will further ensure the safety of children who enjoy the playground equipment:<\/p>\n